When you need to use both a direct and an indirect object pronoun, they both go before the verb, with the indirect preceding the direct. However, if the verb requiring the object pronouns follows another verb, then the pronouns are attached to the end of the verb, again with the indirect preceding the direct (see the example later in this lesson).

Note: The endings of mi, ti, si, ci and vi change to an e and when gli combines with a direct pronoun, the two form one word.

You will notice two additional pronouns in the above table: se and ne. Se is the object form of the reflexive pronoun si, whilst ne is what is known as a partitive pronoun and which denotes quantity. There is a separate Note about the use of ne.

Example of the use of the object pronouns where a verb follows another one

Ricordati di dirglielo - remember to tell him.

Remember that with verbs such as say (or tell) or give, whereas it is permissible in English to simply say ‘tell him’ or ‘give him’, in Italian both dire and dare require the indirect pronoun, ie to tell to him, to give to him.

More about gli

Glieli ho dato can mean I gave them to him/to her/to you (formal use)/to them. This may seem confusing; however, in the context of what has already been said or written the meaning will be clear.

Examples using both direct and indirect object pronouns:

Ti ha dato Anna quel libro per il tuo compleanno? Sì, me l’ha dato.
Did Anna give you that book for your birthday? Yes, she gave it to me (or she gave me it).

Note the elision me l’ha dato instead of using me lo ha dato.

Manderai quella lettera a tuo nonno? Sì, gliela manderò.
Will you send that letter to your grandad? Yes, I will send it to him.